In a strategic move to further enhance credibility and recognition within the industry, the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) proudly announces the launch of the next phase of the CATO Accreditation program setting a new benchmark for industry excellence.
CATO have confirmed key elements of the upcoming phase include the introduction of an external and independent assessment of member financials to be implemented from 01 April 2024 as part of the 2024/25 membership renewal cycle.
Brett Jardine, the Managing Director of CATO, highlights the strategic foresight behind this initiative: “Launched on 1st April 2023, the CATO Accreditation program was developed to address the specificities of the land-supply sector within the Australian travel market. Our move towards an annual financial health assessment is a direct response to sustained industry growth, increased government relations, and our commitment to nurturing a vibrant land-supply ecosystem.”
“CATO has enlisted the services of Moore Australia, a premier national firm renowned for its expertise in accounting, tax, and business advisory services. This collaboration will launch a secure online portal for independent assessment of member operations, providing a ‘financial health check’ that aligns with the highest industry appropriate standards. This process is designed with the strictest confidentiality protocols to ensure that sensitive financial data remains inaccessible to CATO personnel, safeguarding member privacy with the utmost integrity” added Jardine.
The program emphasises the value and importance of CATO Accreditation in dealings with the trade, media and government agencies and whilst the majority of eligible members are expected to participate, tour operator and wholesale members can choose not to partake by informing CATO in writing.
CATO confirm that members who elect not to participate in the financial assessment will retain their CATO Membership status, however full CATO Accreditation status from 1 April 2024 will require the completion of this financial assessment.
